Climate Change Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO's mission is to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO operates in over 130 countries worldwide. In Lebanon, FAO has been active since 1977, responding to various crises with a growing project portfolio aimed at enhancing sustainable agricultural development, improving food security, and strengthening the resilience of rural livelihoods. FAO Lebanon focuses on building the capacity of farmers and fishers to access markets while promoting sustainable resource management.

Job Overview:
The Climate Change Specialist will play a crucial role in mainstreaming climate change adaptation and mitigation approaches into FAO Lebanon’s program portfolio. This position involves providing technical expertise, management, and implementation support across the thematic area of Climate Change and Sustainable Systems. The Specialist will focus on climate-resilient water and infrastructure systems, climate risk and vulnerability assessments, climate finance development, climate policy, and climate-smart approaches. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including national authorities, to ensure that interventions are designed and implemented effectively, with a strong emphasis on climate-proofing and adaptation-oriented strategies. The Specialist will also contribute to the development of climate-informed irrigation master plans and support resource mobilization efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Climate Change Specialist will be responsible for conducting climate risk assessments and resilience planning, which includes analyzing exposure to climate hazards and their impacts on agricultural production and rural infrastructure. The Specialist will develop climate risk profiles and vulnerability maps, integrating findings into project design documents and donor reporting. Additionally, the Specialist will provide technical guidance on the climate-resilient design of water management and irrigation systems, lead the implementation of nature-based solutions for climate adaptation, and contribute to the development of climate-informed planning documents. Project management responsibilities include preparing workplans, monitoring implementation progress, coordinating with partners, and preparing donor progress reports. The Specialist will also apply remote sensing and GIS tools for program planning and knowledge generation, and support capacity development for local communities on climate adaptation practices.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Sciences, Climate Science, Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related technical field. A minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in climate change adaptation and mitigation, climate-resilient infrastructure, or environmental management is required. Candidates should have a working knowledge of English (level C) and must be nationals of Lebanon. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, organizational skills, and the ability to work effectively in a multicultural team are essential. Technical knowledge of climate change adaptation frameworks and experience in climate risk assessments are also required.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field such as Environmental Sciences, Climate Science, Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, or Natural Resource Management. A Master’s degree with specialization in climate change, environmental management, or water resources is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 6 years of relevant experience in areas such as climate change adaptation and mitigation, climate-resilient infrastructure, or environmental management. Proven experience in conducting climate risk and vulnerability assessments, as well as in the design or implementation of climate-resilient interventions, is highly desirable. Experience with climate finance mechanisms and proposal development is also preferred.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English (level C) is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial but is not specified as a requirement.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must ensure that their educational qualifications are obtained from accredited institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). The appointment will be subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.